Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, were awarded the Toleranseprisen for 2004, for showing tolerance and respect for all people.

According to the statement the Crown Prince Couple were awarded the prize because they «indicate in words, attitudes, and actions that they want a society that is accepting and including, where all people are seen and respected.»

The prize is awarded by Stortinget’s presselosje, the political press lodge, established in 1987 by a monetary donation by the former president of the Storting, Jo Benkow.

Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit are praised for their «impressive efforts» to follow the tradition which was started by King Haakon, continued by King Olav and King Harald.

«The Crown Prince Couple have proved that they are a part of the times, have abilities and see the challenges we face in the future. The couple are seen as modern, socially ware, and tolerant people, who have adopted some of the best humanitarian values in the Norwegian society.»

Prince Haakon and Princess Mette Marit were awarded the Tolerance Prize by the press chapter of the Norwegian Parliament 'Stortinget'. The Crown Prince couple was honored because of their farsightedness and their humanity in accepting all kinds of people as they are and therefore should be taken as an example for the humanistic traditions in Norwegian society. The couple receieved the amount equal to 1300 Euros for their own humanitarian foundation and a painting by Norwegian artist Inge Groedum.

Norway's crown prince and princess received an especially personal honour this week when they were presented with an award which took the form of a cartoon on themselves. The framed picture, which depicts Haakon and Mette-Marit strolling through a snowy scene underneath a streetlight, marked the royal couple winning Norway's "Tolerance" prize.

At a presentation on Wednesday, both were praised for their "impressive efforts" in exemplifying open-mindedness and the values of tolerance and acceptance.

The organisation presenting the award said that the pair had been chosen because they are seen as being "modern, socially aware and tolerant people, who have adopted some of the best humanitarian values in the Norwegian society".

And a new piece of artwork to add to their interior decor wasn't all Haakon and Mette-Marit walked away with. They also received 10,000 Norwegian kroners in prize money.

The Tolerance award was established in 1987 by a monetary donation by a former president. Winners are selected by a committee within the Norwegian parliament.

1. The award took the form of a cartoon of the couple, and is the work of a Norwegian artist
2. The prince and princess were honoured for exemplifying open-mindedness and the values of tolerance and acceptance